​Building a better Badenoch and Strathspey? Your chance to have your say

​Building a better Badenoch and Strathspey? Your chance to have your say

Participatory budgeting is coming to Badenoch and Strathspey!

‘PB’ is a process that lets the local community decide for themselves which community projects are needed in their area and involves locals in ensuring public money is well spent.

To help get this off the ground in Badenoch and Strathspey, local Highland Councillors have set aside £15,000 of grant funding from the Ward Discretionary Budget and this has been matched by £15,000 by the Scottish Government - bringing the total pot to £30,000.

The fund is open to any local community, voluntary or non-profit organisations based in Badenoch and Strathspey. Projects can be large or small, add value to existing projects or be something completely new.

How to apply?

Grants can be applied for from £200 to £2000. All applications must be submitted before 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2017. If an idea fits, the community will get to vote on the best submissions at an event to be held on Saturday 25 February 2017 at Carrbridge Village Hall from 10am.

At the event applicants will be required to present their idea to the community. The event is open to all, and individuals who would like to help decide are invited to come along and vote for their favourite projects. Those in attendance vote on all the applications and decisions are made on the day.

Cllr Bill Lobban, Highland Council’s Area Chair for Badenoch and Strathpey, who sits on the local implementation working group said:

“This is handing decision making to the Community at the most local level. I would encourage as many individuals or groups to take part in this exciting initiative to ensure it brings benefits to local communities and is a success across Badenoch and Strathspey.”

Application forms can be obtained from Karen Derrick at Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey by phone on 01479 873445 or email pb@vabs.org.uk who will also be able to provide information and assistance with the application process.

Application forms can also be accessed online from the Highland Council Website at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/1344/building_a_better_badenoch_and_strathspey

For further information on ‘Building a Better Badenoch and Strathspey’ grants visit https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/717545/building_a_better_badenoch_and_strathspey/category/155/grants_for_community_groups